MORE than 450 Harland and Wolff workers are to be offered screening and immunisation today for a potentially deadly bacteria after an outbreak among colleagues.

The firm has launched the action in a bid to stop further spread of the bug which has already resulted in four employees being hospitalised.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) earlier said the pneumococcal disease had been detected in a number of employees.

The bacteria can cause a variety of infections, including pneumonia, meningitis and blood-poisoning.

Union bosses have welcomed the moves to protect workers.

Unite’s Regional Coordinating Officer, Davy Thompson, said: “The fact that four workers were hospitalised with this infectious disease in a short space of time in one area led to the PHA becoming involved.

“The rate of infection may reflect the confined working conditions in the docks.

“Over 450 workers will be screened and offered immunisation today.

“The steps being taken are proportionate and we are hopeful that they will prevent any further spread of this infection.

“We will continue to work to ensure that this situation is managed effectively.”

The PHA said it has been working closely with Harland and Wolff since the outbreak occurred and hygiene advice has been given to employees.

A spokeswoman said: “Vaccination is being offered to employees working in high risk exposure areas as a preventative measure.”

The PHA said there was no wider risk to the public.

Welders or people exposed to welding fumes in their job were among those at more risk of developing a pneumococcal infection, according to the PHA.

Throughout Northern Ireland, there are around 50 to 60 cases a year of invasive pneumococcal disease each year.

The bacteria which cause the infections can be spread by close contact with someone who is carrying the bacteria when that person coughs or sneezes.

They can also be spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person, such as used paper tissues.

The PHA said people can carry the bacteria in the backs of their noses and throats without ever becoming ill, while others can go on to develop an infection.

Apart from welders, other groups of people more at risk of developing it include: the very young or the very old; those with a chronic illness such as diseases of heart, lung, kidneys, liver or diabetes; those without a spleen or with a damaged spleen; and those whose immune system is not working properly.

It is understood not all the infected employees worked in the same areas of the business, with two based in offices.

A spokesman for Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries Ltd said the company was “co-operating fully” with the PHA.

The Harland and Wolff spokesman added: “None of the work schedules at the yard are affected and all projects continue as normal.”